In this special compilation episode, we explore the evolving science of pregnancy, exercise, and recovery through conversations with two innovative voices in women’s health: Dr. Shon Rowan and Dr. Lindsey Mathews.

Dr. Shon Rowan, an OB-GYN and researcher, shares groundbreaking insights from his work studying heart rate variability (HRV) throughout pregnancy and postpartum. His findings reveal fascinating physiologic adaptations—including measurable changes in HRV and resting heart rate that begin almost immediately after conception, reverse in the weeks leading up to delivery, and may ultimately rebound postpartum to levels even higher than pre-pregnancy.

Dr. Lindsey Mathews, a Doctor of Chiropractic and prenatal movement specialist, offers practical guidance on how women can use HRV as a tool to better understand stress, recovery, and readiness—helping inform training intensity during pregnancy and postpartum in a way that honors the body’s changing needs.

Together, these conversations challenge outdated beliefs about pregnancy and exercise, highlight the incredible adaptability of the female body, and offer a more informed, empowering perspective on movement during one of life’s most transformative seasons.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How HRV and resting heart rate change during pregnancy
• Why postpartum HRV may exceed pre-pregnancy levels
• Using HRV trends to guide training and recovery
• Why pregnancy research has historically been limited
• The future of wearable technology in women’s health
• How exercise can support—not hinder—a healthy pregnancy and recovery

Related Episodes:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1019070179?i=1000532952176Ep 210 - HRV + Pregnancy with Dr. Shon Rowan

Ep 263 - Resilience, Recovery + Performance with Kristen Holmes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1019070179?i=1000564649843

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Natalie Crawford, MD is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and is co-founder of Fora Fertility, a boutique fertility practice in Austin, Texas. Dr. Crawford is CEO and co-founder of Pinnacle, a professional network for women in medicine. She completed her undergraduate at Auburn University obtaining a degree in Nutrition Science, Medical School at UTMB, OBGYN Residency at UTSW, and REI Fellowship at UNC, concurrently obtaining a Master of Science in Clinical Research. Dr. Crawford is a digital health educator on social media, YouTube, and hosts the podcast “As a Woman” with over 6 million downloads. Her debut book, “The Fertility Formula”, will be released by Penguin Random House.

Follow Dr. Crawford on Instagram at @nataliecrawfordmd and check out her book, The Fertility Formula.

Related Episodes:

Ep 155 - Dr. Marguerite Duane on FACTS about Fertility

Ep 314 - The Fertility Crisis + Support for Couples with Ronit Menashe + Vida Delrahim

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

In this special compilation, former CrossFit Games athletes Lindsey Valenzuela, Kara Saunders, Annie Thorisdottir, and Camille Leblanc-Bazinet share their experiences transitioning from elite competition to motherhood, and back again.

They discuss how training evolved before pregnancy, what changed during pregnancy, and how they approached postpartum recovery and return to performance. Enjoy this honest conversation about identity, expectations, and redefining strength as a mom.

Related Episodes:

Ep 81 - Lindsey Valenzuela on Postpartum Training and the Road Back to the CrossFit Games https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pursuing-health/id1019070179?i=1000406935633

Ep 110 - Kara Saunders on CrossFit and Expecting Baby She-Bear https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1019070179?i=1000435062288

Ep 141 - Annie Thorisdottir and Camille Leblanc-Bazinet: From the CrossFit Games to Pregnancy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1019070179?i=1000472870644

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.